Where culture and history are fun

The must-see highlights in South Tyrol

South Tyrol has a wealth of amazing tourist attractions. There are more than a hundred castles and residences dotted throughout the region, and entry to most of these attractions is free with the BrixenCard.

The Bishopric of Brixen is one of Tyrol’s oldest and most beautiful towns in the region of Tyrol, the main destination in the Eisack Valley and the third biggest town in South Tyrol with 22,000 residents. Brixen is also a treasure trove of history and culture.

Brixen Cathedral

A tour of Brixen Cathedral and its cloister is a must for every visitor. Not only is this one of the most interesting churches in the region, it’s also the highest-ranking. In the connected cloister with its inner courtyard and small garden bathed in light, visitors can admire the beautiful 14th to 16th century frescos and paintings, which have been extensively restored.Brixen CathedralHofburgplatz 1 - 39042 Brixen +39 0472 834034

The Bishop’s Palace in Brixen

Right next door, visitors will find the Bishop’s Palace with four wings and three floors. Visitors can access this tourist attraction via the bridge over the moat. This palace was the seat of the prince-bishops until 1803 and the seat of the bishops of the Diocese of Brixen until 1973. It was then opened to the public, and it now houses the Museum of the Nativity and the Diocesan Museum.Bishop’s Palace, BrixenHofburgplatz 2 - 39042 Brixen +39 0472 830505

Novacella Abbey in Varna

Novacella Abbey was founded in 1142 by the Bishop of Brixen. Today it is Tyrol’s biggest Augustinian monastery complex. The abbey church with cloister and frescos and the restored cloister garden all make it worth the visit. Visitors should try the home-made produce in the abbey’s cellar, especially the good wines.Novacella AbbeyStiftstr. 1 - 39040 Varna +39 0472 836189

MMM - Messner Mountain Museums

South Tyrolean mountaineer Reinhold Messner dedicated the Messner Mountain Museums – a collection of six museums in various locations – to the mountain and its culture: MMM Firmian near Bolzano, MMM Juval in Juval Castle in Vinschgau, MMM Ortles in Solda, MMM Dolomites in Cibiana di Cadore, MMM Ripa in Bruneck and MMM Corones on the Kronplatz mountain. The aim of this project is to help visitors understand the interaction between nature and culture and the importance of the mountain for people.www.messner-mountain-museum.it

Franzensfeste Fortress

The fortress was planned and built between 1833 and 1838 and is one of the strongest fortresses in the entire alpine region. It spans an area of around 20 hectares and is a 65,000 m² labyrinth of rooms, staircases and corridors, split into three forts, which were also able to defend themselves independently. A system of underground staircases with a total of 451 steps led to the upper fortress in case of emergencies. Franzensfeste FortressBrennerstraße - 39045 Franzensfeste +39 0472 057218

Ötzi the Iceman at South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano

The star of South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is the world’s oldest known mummy, Ötzi the Iceman. He was found in September 1991. Following his rescue, Ötzi was put on display at South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in January 1998. Visitors can learn all about how the mummy was found, the circumstances of his death, his clothing and tools and his way of life in the exhibition.South Tyrol Museum of ArchaeologyVia Museo 43 - 39100 Bolzano +39 0471 320100

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